basic algebra rules

[coder1]

I'm trying to regain some of the lost knowledge I had on basic algebra. Here is a question.

if you had a simple problem like 5(-3)-y=-14 and you know that y=-1 would it then be written as 5(-3)-(-1)=-14 ?
I know that equates to the right answer but sometime get confused when there is a - in front of a variable and then you find the variable to be a negative, I suppose the rule is they cancel each other out. correct?

Thanks guys.

 

[Anubis]

yes 2 negatives cancel

-(-1)=+1

 

[XZeroII]

as a rule, always put parenthesis around variables when substituting. then rewrite it as -(-1). Think of the - as a sign reverser. You are reversing the sign on the 1 twice, thus you come up with your original number.

 

[MichaelD]

Here you go:

1. The train leaving Chicago will never meet the train leaving California. EVER.
2. X-oranges is always more than Y-apples. ALWAYS.
3. The sum of A and B is always equal to C, but can be divided by D. ALL THE TIME.

Adhere to the above, and you'll pass.

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
EVER.

I have been on the intarweb too long, that spelling looks wrong to me

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: PipBoy

Originally posted by: MichaelD
EVER.

I have been on the intarweb too long, that spelling looks wrong to me

Oh, sorry.

EVARRRRRRR!

 

[notfred]

Why do you always preface your alegebra questions with "I'm trying to learn algebra, here is a question:"

Shouldn't that be obvious from the fact that you're posting an algebra question?

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: notfred
Why do you always preface your alegebra questions with "I'm trying to learn algebra, here is a question:"

Shouldn't that be obvious from the fact that you're posting an algebra question?

You know, I'll bet that if someone walked up to you and said "excuse me, can you tell me what time it is, please?" That you would want to argue with them about how unimportant their life must be to them b/c if they felt their life WAS important that they would've had the foresight to purchase a timepiece.

Am I right?

 

[coder1]

"Why do you always preface your alegebra questions with "I'm trying to learn algebra, here is a question:"

Your right, but i'm trying to make it evident that I'm not asking for help on a test or assignment. In the future I'll probably just ask the question LOL

Thanks agian everyone.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: notfred
Why do you always preface your alegebra questions with "I'm trying to learn algebra, here is a question:"

Shouldn't that be obvious from the fact that you're posting an algebra question?

You know, I'll bet that if someone walked up to you and said "excuse me, can you tell me what time it is, please?" That you would want to argue with them about how unimportant their life must be to them b/c if they felt their life WAS important that they would've had the foresight to purchase a timepiece.

Am I right?

I'd actually say "Sorry, I don't wear a watch", but that was a good guess